South Carolina’s new blue crab laws take effect July 1: What to know

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — Changes are coming for South Carolina’s crabbing industry as new sustainability-focused regulations are set to take effect next month.

State lawmakers approved a sweeping set of changes for blue crab fishing in 2024, an industry that had previously been largely unregulated.

The lack of regulations left the blue crab population vulnerable to overfishing. Coupled with rising water temperatures and other environmental factors, research

from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) found that this led to a decades-long population decline.

Many of the changes — effective July 1 — affect commercial crabbers, but recreational crabbers will need to abide by a few new ones, too.

Recreational crabbers can only harvest one bushel of crabs per day or two bushels per boat, per a new harvest limit.

Crab pots must have escape rings for undersized crabs and other small marine animals. Single-chambered pots must have at least one ring, and two-chambered pots must have at least two rings.

Recreational crabbers can now purchase an enhanced recreational crab pot endorsement for $5 annually, allowing holders to fish up to five pots if they do not intend to sell them commercially.

State regulations still require that any crabs greater than 5 inches wide from point to point and females with eggs be returned to the water immediately if caught.

Commercial crabbers have been notified of the changes impacting their industry, according to SCDNR.